Saints and Pelicans Implicated in Catholic Church Sexual Abuse Scandal Cover-Up
Gayle Benson, the owner of both the New Orleans Saints and New Orleans Pelicans, finds herself embroiled in a scandal far removed from the realm of sports success. Recent revelations reported by The Associated Press uncover a disturbing connection between members of the Saints organization and efforts to cover up a sexual abuse scandal within the New Orleans Catholic Church.
The Allegations and Involvement
The extent of the involvement of Saints executives in the cover-up has come to light through investigative reporting. Saints president Dennis Lauscha and vice president of communications Greg Bensel have been implicated for their roles in the crisis management strategies employed to mitigate the fallout from the clergy sexual abuse crisis. Lauscha reportedly coached New Orleans archbishop Gregory Aymond for media interactions, while Bensel provided updates on local media interviews, indicating a collaborative effort between the church and the sports organization.
Denial and Connections
Despite being a devout Catholic with close ties to the city’s church leaders, Gayle Benson has vehemently denied any direct involvement in the scandal. Reports suggest a longstanding relationship between the Benson family foundation and the archdiocese, with significant financial contributions made to Catholic causes. However, Benson has distanced herself from the allegations, expressing sympathy for the victims and emphasizing the separation between her organizations and the church’s affairs.
Reactions and Ongoing Normalcy
As the scandal unfolds, both the Saints and Pelicans have maintained silence in response to the allegations, choosing to continue their regular operations. With a focus on upcoming games and daily activities, the teams have not addressed the controversy publicly. The Pelicans, for instance, are set to face the Nuggets in an upcoming matchup, seemingly unaffected by the unfolding scandal that has now implicated their ownership.
The revelations of the Saints and Pelicans’ involvement in the Catholic Church sexual abuse scandal have sent shockwaves through the sports community, raising questions about accountability, ethical responsibilities, and the intersection of sports and social issues. As the investigation progresses, the impact of these allegations on the teams’ reputations and the broader implications for the relationship between sports organizations and societal matters remain to be seen.